Top Lucky 13 Things to Enjoy in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada, an ever-changing fantasy land of a city, has seen unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert 100 years ago in the Bugsy Siegel days. The sights and sounds of Las Vegas are enjoyed by over 39.2 million visitors every year. They stay in some of the most glamorous, unique hotels in the world. They eat at five-star restaurants and expansive buffets. They play at casinos, pools, health spas and golf courses and shop like there is no tomorrow.

The following is my winning top 13 list of things to enjoy on your next visit to Las Vegas:

The Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

The $1.8 billion Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino opened in 2007 at the north end on the Strip. It is adjacent to the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and the Sands Expo and Convention Center, making it the largest hotel and convention complex in the world. Amenities, in addition to its more than 3,000 all-suite rooms, consist of a spa, casinos, dining, shopping, & entertainment. Restaurants include Mario Batali’s Carnevino, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Dos Caminos, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, Jade Noodles Dim Sum Restaurant, Grand Lux Cafe, Emeril Lagasse's Table 10, Espressamente illy, Double Helix Wine Bar and Jay Z’s 40/40 Club. 702.607.7777

3. Hoover Dam (also known as Boulder Dam) is on the border between Arizona and Nevada about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Over a million visitors each year visit the dam. When completed in 1935, it was both the world's largest electric power producing facility and the world's largest concrete structure. 702.494.2517

Fountains of Bellagio: The world-famous Fountains of Bellagio will speak to your heart as opera, classical and whimsical musical selections are carefully choreographed with the movements of 1,000 water-emitting devices. Free performances all day and night. 702.693.7111

Helicopter Trip over Las Vegas or to the Grand Canyon: Maverick Helicopters offers VIP service from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Experience a breathtaking flight over some of the most beautiful scenery in
the Western U.S. 888.261.4414

Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge: Las Vegas’ own gourmet chocolateir Ethel M has undergone a face-lift and revamped their entire chocolate line. Now called Ethel's Chocolate Lounge, the long-time favorite of visitors to
Las Vegas is offering a trendier take on chocolate. The Cocktail Collection is one of the new assortments. It includes flavors such as Mojito, Margarita and Chocolapolitan, made with rum, brandy, and champagne. Each one is decorated with a tiny graphic representing the cocktail within. There are 11 locations in and around Las Vegas.

Steak: There are many steak options in Las Vegas but here are a few of the best the city has to offer: Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons; Wolfgang Puck’s CUT at the Palazzo; Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse at the Venetian; Prime & FIX, both at the Bellagio; SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Las Vegas; Strip House at Planet Hollywood; The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s; Palm at Caesars Palace; Smith & Wollensky and The Capital Grille , bothon Las Vegas Blvd. but not in a hotel.

Entertainment Capital of the World: Whether it is Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Cher, Elton John, Rita Rudner, Roseanne Barr, Danny Gans, John O’Hurley, or Lance Burton, the Vegas Strip is the place to enjoy big name entertainment. Tickets don’t come cheap…but you’ll enjoy an evening like no other. That’s why Las Vegas is called the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Two Art Exhibits:Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art & the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, which showcases original art from the permanent collections from the Guggenheim in New York, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Kunsthistorisches in Vienna.

The Forum Shops at Caesars: The Forum Shops feature over 150 boutiques and shops, as well as 15 specialty restaurants. Their most recent expansion added 175,000 square feet and additional levels that extend the mall onto the Strip and a grand pedestrian plaza, the signature entrance for the shops. The Atlantis (free) Show feature is an entertainment centerpiece of The Forum Shops. Atlantis, located in the Roman Great Hall, consists of an enormous fountain which "comes to life" at regular intervals, featuring amazingly life-like animatronic characters. (702) 893-4800

11. Driving down the Stripat night, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. See the most famous gambling strip in the world with its neon lights and hordes of tourists. Vegas Vic, the enormous neon cowboy that towers over Fremont Street downtown, is the world's largest mechanical neon sign.

Lake Las Vegas: This 320 acre privately-owned lake is located 17 miles from the Strip in Henderson. The over 3,000 acre premier, Tuscan-inspired destination highlights world-class resort hotels, including the AAA Five Diamond rated The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas; Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort; and the MonteLago Village Resort. Enjoy the Casino MonteLago, which features over 600 of your favorite machines, with over 200 penny slots, plus 12 live table games. You will also want to stroll the MonteLago Village boutiques, relax in the spas, or playing the championship golf courses. All in all, this is a world away from the hustle and
bustle of the Strip.

And last but certainly not least: Gaming. Gaming is still the centerpiece of Las Vegas. From traditional card and dice games, to slot machines and race and sports book betting, the casino industry has flourished and evolved into an international phenomenon. Nevada celebrates the very industry that has supported economic growth in the state. While slot machines are the runaway favorite among gamblers in Las Vegas, as they are online as you can see at: slot-machines.ca. Table games have seen new additions and a tremendous resurgence in the popularity of poker. Some of the newer games, such as three-card poker, and timeless favorites like pai gow continue to draw people to the tables. The increased exposure and popularity of poker, specifically Texas Hold 'Em, has prompted many casinos to re-open poker rooms that had been shuttered for a number of years.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.